Table 1.

Red flags in the history and examination that should prompt the consideration of another diagnosis

History
No risk factors for CP such as: prematurity, low birthweight, multiple births, hypoglycemia, jaundice and kernicterus, intrapartum asphyxia, intracranial hemorrhage, infection, stroke, or head injuries
Positive family history of CP
Fluctuation in motor symptoms
Paroxysmal symptoms in relation to time of day, diet/fasting, or activity
Progressive neurological symptoms
Regression of milestones
Examination
Dysmorphic features
Isolated motor dysfunction such as isolated ataxia or isolated hypotonia without dystonia or spasticity
Peripheral nervous system abnormalities: absent reflexes, sensory signs
Eye movement abnormalities (e.g., oculogyria, oculomotor apraxia, or paroxysmal saccadic eye-head movements)
Optic atrophy/retinopathy

CP- cerebral palsy